scholarly journals 4262 Latinas and Cervical Cancer: A Nursing-Community Collaborative Project for Improving Health in Vulnerable Populations

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 63-63
Author(s):  
Maria Elena Ruiz ◽  
Efrain Talamantes

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We present findings of an academic-community health agency study that explored knowledge of cervical cancer and risks among Latinas. The collaboration between the UCLA School of Nursing and AltaMed, a community-based health organization provided diverse clinical training and opportunities to decrease disparities in marginalized communities. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We developed a 19-item open-ended survey guide (English/Spanish) to explore knowledge, beliefs and practices related to cervical cancer. Eight nursing students (females and males) completed a 10-week public health focused practicum at four clinical sites. Students interviewed volunteer Latinas (N = 51) and recorded their responses. Prior to surveying Latina clients, the nursing instructor developed a script and mentored the student through the recruitment process. The survey included items on the Papanicolaou exam (pap smear), the HPV, beliefs and knowledge of risks for cervical cancer and recommendations for health service delivery. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The Latina participants ranged in age from 20-50s, 70% spoke English, most were US born (52%) and 29% were from Mexico. The majority had received a Pap exam (88%), but fewer understood the purpose for the Pap (72%) or the association between HPV and cervical cancer (6%). Five major themes emerged: (1) knowledge deficits regarding women’s preventive care, and the HPV vaccine; (2) limited Spanish language educational materials; (3) importance of respectful client-provider interactions; (4) modesty; and 5) scheduling appointments and the importance of a diverse workforce that understand cultural and language nuances. Recommendations included ways to improve health literacy, cervical cancer knowledge, and delivery of culturally specific health care. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Finding highlight the importance of putting “personalismo” into practice; linking health behaviors, vaccines, and health care to addresses cervical cancer risks. The collaboration maximized student experiences with opportunities build evidence based sustainable programs for vulnerable communities.

Author(s):  
Hayam Fathey A. Eittah ◽  
Khalid Abdullah S. Aljohani ◽  
Mohammed Saeed E. Aljohani

Background: Cervical cancer is a growing health risk facing women worldwide with the human papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary underlying cause. Pap smear is a simple screening test that can detect early changes in cervical cells, which might develop into cancer cells. Raising awareness of cervical cancer prevention has a significant impact on decreasing the burden of the disease. The aim of the study is to assess female nursing students' knowledge on early detection and screening of cervical cancer, and to determine the effectiveness of an educational program. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design (one group for pre- and post-tests) was utilized with a convenience sample of 130 female nursing students in one of the nursing colleges in Saudi Arabia. The study’s educational intervention included information about anatomy of genital tract and the importance of regular check-ups. The pre- and post-tests were applied to identify changes after intervention measures. Results: The mean age of the participants were 21.32 years (SD: 1.34). The findings revealed a significant improvement of post-test students’ knowledge in all items related to risk factors, signs and symptoms, occurrence, identification of HPV as causative agent, vaccination against HPV, and finally Pap smear for early detection and screening of cervical cancer. Conclusion: The study results support implementing educational intervention to improve nursing students' knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer prevention. Furthermore, it is imperative that cervical cancer awareness education modules should be developed and integrated within the nursing curriculum. Further studies with large sample size are recommended to increase generalization of the results.  Key words: cervical cancer, education program, primary prevention, nursing students, Saudi Arabia


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-61
Author(s):  
Yohannes Mekonen ◽  
Hermon Berhe ◽  
Luam Ghebreab ◽  
Elias Teages

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide that affects developing countries and young women in particular. Out of many types of female cancers, cancer of the cervix could be prevented if appropriate medical interventions are taken on time. Pap smear is a means for early detection of premalignant stages and treatment before the disease advances to a late stage. However, its practice remains unsatisfactory in many countries including Eritrea. Objective: The aim of the study was to illustrate knowledge, attitude and level of cervical cancer and Pap smear practice and associated factors among female students of Orotta College of Medicine and Health sciences (OCMHS). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students in OCMHS enrolled during the academic year 2018-2019. A total of 252 students participated in the study. Piloted, structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the distribution and to identify associations between independent and outcome variables respectively. Results: Majority of the students, 171 (68.4%), were 18-21 years old and 159 (63.6%) were second and third year students. One hundred thirty six (54.4%) students had inadequate knowledge and one hundred twenty three (49.2%) had negative attitude towards cervical cancer screening. Only two (0.8%) participants had ever been screened with Pap smear test. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, level of education and year of study were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening methods. Year of study and knowledge levels were significantly associated with attitude towards cervical cancer screening (Pap smear). Conclusions: The study showed that there is a lack of knowledge of cervical cancer, unfavorable attitude towards screening methods and poor utilization of Pap smear. The study emphasized the importance of creating awareness and increasing knowledge of cervical cancer and Pap smear through numerous health education campaigns and mass media. Hence, it will be vital to integrate cervical cancer preventive measures with other reproductive health care services at all, if not at the highest, levels of health care delivery system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110471
Author(s):  
Jennifer F Ducray ◽  
Colette M Kell ◽  
Jyotika Basdav ◽  
Firoza Haffejee

Background: Cervical cancer in South Africa accounts for 15.85% of all female cancers and 30.29% of African female cancers, resulting in over 5000 deaths annually. South Africa’s proposed move towards universal healthcare places emphasis on health promotion through education and screening, but there is little data on the baseline levels of knowledge and screening uptake regarding cervical cancer. This study explored the levels of knowledge and screening rates of cervical cancer among vulnerable women living in the inner-city of Durban, South Africa. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted within the context of a Women’s Health outreach initiative. Data were collected from women attending the outreach ( n = 109), many of whom were from marginalized communities. A pre-intervention survey was used to collect the data. This was followed by cervical cancer education sessions and the opportunity for a free Pap smear. Results: Knowledge of cervical cancer was low (<25%) and only a third of the women had previously been screened. After the educational sessions, 64% of women ( n = 70) took advantage of the opportunity for Pap smears, with many expressing the need for wider cervical cancer education, screening centres and support groups. Only 20% of the Pap smears were normal ( n = 14). Half of the women tested positive for infections ( n = 36; 51.4%), and a small proportion ( n = 8; 11.4%) tested positive for human papilloma virus. Abnormal cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN1 and CIN 2) were also detected in this population ( n = 12; 17.1%). Conclusion: Cervical cancer knowledge and screening among vulnerable women in Durban, South Africa, is inadequate, especially considering the high levels of abnormality found in the Pap smears. Education drives, accompanied with the provision of free testing, are required. Community health outreach initiatives in collaboration with non-government organizations set in accessible locations could be a possible course of action.


Author(s):  
Georgy O. Obiechina ◽  
Muo Chiamaka Euphemia

Background: Cervical cancer is a potentially preventable disease if appropriate screening and prophylactic strategies are employed. However, the lack of knowledge and prevention practices can result in the underutilization of preventive strategies. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the cervical cancer knowledge and prevention practices among female civil servants in Awka South Local Government Area. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research survey design was used to accomplish the purpose of the study. A self-structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the sample of 335 female civil servants, while313 returned rate of female civil servants was used to analyze the data. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions, while Chi-Square and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Results:  Findings revealed that 194 (61.98%)  of the respondents had no knowledge of cervical cancer while 119 (38.02%)  had knowledge of cervical cancer, however, an average  weighted mean score of  x 2.63 and ± 0.95  had a positive response that using pap smear as a procedure to test for cervical cancer is the best screening method while most of the respondents revealed that it is advisable  to go for treatment once there is a sign of STDs. Chi-Square value of difference in mean knowledge of cervical cancer among female civil servants in Awka South Local Government Area revealed that the calculated X2-value yielded 257, with significant value of 0.000 is less than P-value (P<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that when knowledge about cervical cancer and its prevention is consistently communicated through difference media, relatively high number of females may be aware. Based on the conclusion, it was recommended, among others, the need for more sensitization campaigns to bridge the identified knowledge gaps and scale up cervical cancer screening services to all women to increase service uptake.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juveria Syed Ali Hussain ◽  
Jyotsna Galinde ◽  
Ranganatha Rao K Jingade

ABSTRACT Background Sharp instrument injuries among health care students significantly increase the risk of transmission of different blood-borne pathogens which can lead to serious consequences including death. Objectives The study was carried out to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sharp instrument injuries among the health care students in the Mahatma Gandhi Mission's Campus, Navi Mumbai and to make recommendations to the institutional authorities about measures to be undertaken to prevent such injuries among the students. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 700 health care students which included dental, medical and nursing students during their clinical training at Mahatma Gandhi Mission's Campus, Navi Mumbai from May 2012 to July 2012. It was a self-administered questionnaire with a 1-year recall period for sharp instrument injury. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results The questionnaire was completed by 627 students of which 76.4% of nursing, 75.4% of dental and 48.7% of the medical students had experienced sharp instrument injuries in the past 1 year with hollow-bore needle being the most common instrument causing such injuries. Overall, 77.4% of the students had not reported the incident of the injury and only 34.4% of the students had taken postexposure prophylaxis. Conclusion Educational interventions with effective training on proper handling and disposal of sharp instruments and postexposure prophylaxis along with the formation of a reporting center are some of the recommendations which can reduce the occupational exposure to sharp instrument injuries among the health care students. How to cite this article Hussain JSA, Ram SM, Galinde J, Jingade RRK. Occupational Exposure to Sharp Instrument Injuries among Dental, Medical and Nursing Students in Mahatma Gandhi Mission's Campus, Navi Mumbai, India. J Contemp Dent 2012;2(2):1-10.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mwesigwa Boaz ◽  
Ngoma Febian ◽  
Abila Derrick Bary ◽  
Othieno Emmanuel ◽  
Zahra Award Warsame

Abstract IntroductionWidespread cytology-based method of screening such as Pap smear test has significantly led to a reduction in the incidence and mortality associated with cervical cancer in many developed countries. In these countries, facilities needed for early detection of cervical cancer such as cytology laboratories are existent and generally available to their population. In a developing countries like Somalia, access to cytology services for cervical cancer screening remains limited and as result majority of patients present with advanced stage disease (stage III & IV) that is too difficult to treat.InterventionTo address this challenge, the management of AL-Zahra Specialty Hospital contracted a cytologist based in Uganda to guide in setting-up of cytology laboratory in the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia so as to provide cervical cancer screening and diagnostics services to the population. Other interventions made by the visiting cytologist involved guiding the procurement officer in the purchase of basic equipment, reagents, consumables and training of health care staff. This resulted into conducting 1020 cervical cytological tests over a period of 12months (1st September, 2018 to 30th September 2019).Lesions learntIn order to increase access to cytology services, we learnt that the federal government of Somalia should consider making cervical cytology (pap smear test) as part of routine screening policy for all sexually active women as part of health care package. An increase in sample volume may be improved through awareness campaigns and conducting community screening activities. ConclusionSomalia, a developing country has made great strides towards addressing the limited facilities for cervical cancer screening by using very limited funding. We hope that our experiences shall provide technical guidance & direction to physicians, laboratory managers and investors who wish to establish similar cervical cytology laboratories in an economically constrained low-resource setting.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1553-1553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anju Shrestha

1553 Background: Cervical cancer is leading female cancer in Nepal. Despite the existence of effective screening using Pap smear, the uptake of screening is poor. Objectives of this study were to determine the baseline information about the knowledge of cervical cancer and explore attitude and practice of Pap smear screening among the women of rural community of Nepal. Methods: A cross sectional population based descriptive study of female attending free cervical cancer screening camp in different rural community of Nepal organized by Nepal cancer Support group and Nepal cancer Hospital, funded by Direct Relief was conducted from 1/06/2016 to 31/12/2016- using self- administered questionnaire to elicit information on demographic characteristics, knowledge, screening behaviors and determinants of cervical cancer. Results: A total of 2529 women participated in nine screening camp, out of which 55.95% (1416) were illiterate whereas only 4.95% (129) were graduate. Mean age of participates were 40.5±11.97 (17-83)yrs. 31.63% (800) of women married before age of 16 and 32.08% (811) women had their first childbirth before age of 18 years. Only 6.88% (174) women were working outside and rest were working in household work and farming. 76.24% (1928) women knew nothing about cervical cancer. Although 38.71% (979) women heard about Pap smear, only 10.36% (262) knew about eligibility of screening, 1.58% (40) knew about screening interval and 16.57% (419) know that Pap smear is used for detections of cancerous and precancerous lesions of cervix. However, knowledge of risk factors for cervical cancer was found in 5.9% (150). Of the female respondents, 78.09% (1975) did not feel susceptible to cervical cancer and 82.25% (2080) had never been screened before. The most common reason for not doing Pap test is they never heard about it (59.99%:1516). The other reason includes do not have any symptoms (17.79%:450); embarrassment (2.49%:62); do not know where to do (1.27%:32); fear of finding out cancer (0.51%:13) and never advised by doctor (0.4%:10). Conclusions: The study revealed very low cervical cancer knowledge and poor screening behavior among the women. This may be due to lack of awareness, education and low priority of women’s health issue.


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